Building on Success

I got an email from IXL today.  Our students have spent 24 hours solving math problems!  That is crazy good.  The kids LOVE it.  I really hope that the newness doesn't wear off.  I am going to assign IXL for homework one night a week as every family indicated that their student has internet access.  Mrs. Jordan is going to add it to her website so that the students can use the program when they're finished with technology assignments.  I hope that this extra practice will build student confidence and  proficiency!

Thank you for sending in the cardboard for the New England play dough map construction.  The students really loved the hands on approach to mastering geography.  We'll continue to review the 6 New England states, their capitals, and other major geographical features of the region this week in preparation for a quiz at the end of the week.  I'd like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Carchio who came in to lend a hand during our map making.  It is so nice to have another adult in the room to maintain sanity when we're getting crafty!  We will be starting our study of the Wampanoags this week as well.

We'll continue to explore rocks during our next couple of science classes.  Students will use a classroom set of rocks to learn more about sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.  We'll move onto minerals next week.

We wrapped up our first math unit last week.  The end of unit Investigations tests will be coming home along with your child's score on a computerized end of unit assessment that is aligned to MA  state standards.  I'll address any weaknesses identified during our RTI and skills center periods.  Our new unit focuses on data.

The students have done an OUTSTANDING job meeting  expectations during our Daily 5/Cafe literacy block.  They are demonstrating good habits and have built up their stamina.  I can now begin working with individual students and small groups.  Once the students begin to set goals, I'll send along a "Parent Pipeline".  This super resource will describe your child's reading goal and will outline ways that you can support your student in meeting this goal at home.  Never hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Thank you for being so supportive of me and our academic undertakings!  I can tell it is going to be a great year!